The Dedication Behind Swans’ Banners and AFL Tactics

In the world of the Sydney Swans, an enthusiastic group of fans undertakes the task of creating pre-game banners, which are an integral part of Australian Football League (AFL) culture. On Thursday afternoon, this dedicated group gathered at the Sydney Cricket Ground to prepare the banner for the Swans’ preliminary final against Port Adelaide, marking both a significant game and Dane Rampe‘s 250th appearance.

Liz Whiffin, a loyal member who commutes from the Central Coast since 2018 to participate in banner preparations, explains the passion and culture behind this activity. “Banner making is not just an event; it’s about being part of the cheer squad and embracing a long-standing tradition,” she stated. Banner making within the AFL began in the 1930s and gained prominence in the 1970s, now becoming a staple of the game.

Whiffin shared how the architecture of a banner can heavily depend on weather conditions, citing an incident during Collingwood‘s 2018 grand final when their banner fell apart. Despite potential issues, banners symbolize fans’ dedication and are essential to the atmosphere of home games.

The Sydney Swans’ recent performance has been a mix of challenges, particularly highlighted by a significant defeat to Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval. Facing an alarming 112-point loss, the team had to reassess its strategy and performance. Under the coaching of John Longmire, the Swans experienced a period of five losses in six games, which challenged their premiership hopes.

The Swans have struggled with slow starts, having the worst record among finals teams in the first quarters. Despite this, recent improvements in strategy have led to consecutive victories, showcasing resilience. Isaac Heeney remarked on the positive change in the team’s form, expressing confidence in their capabilities against any opponent.

Keen analysis and adjustments have been crucial for the Swans as they prepared for their game against Port Adelaide, a match further intensified by previous encounters and performance records. Port Adelaide’s coach, Ken Hinkley, emphasized the unpredictability of such rivalries, applauding Sydney’s strengths and focusing on preparing his team for a robust performance.